Things to see and do

The Guildhall in Lavenham, in the marketplace, is at the heart of the village in more ways than one.

Lavenham Guildhall

Built around 1530, for religious rather than commercial purposes, the Guildhall has seen many changes over the years. Located on the edge of Lavenham's marketplace, the Guildhall is one of the village’s most impressive historic timber-framed buildings. Originally built as a meeting place, it remains at the heart of the village today, a venue for local events and functions.

Truly unique

Make Lavenham your base; to discover Suffolk’s hidden gems, explore the wonderful church and the medieval buildings which make Lavenham truly unique.

Best preserved village

The best way to make your way around Lavenham is on foot. An abundance of galleries, places to eat, accommodation, boutiques and antiques shops make for an enjoyable day out.

Suffolk Threads

A unique celebration of the history of Suffolk’s wool towns, with a range of events and walks telling their story.

Cycling routes

Lavenham is on the National 13 cycling route, which you can pick up in nearby Sudbury, Alpheton or Long Melford - or if you want to go the whole distance start at London's Tower Bridge and finish at Fakenham, Norwich! There are lots of other routes and byways to explore in and around Lavenham which are just as much fun.

Ornate medieval carvings

Explore many examples of lavish ornate carvings embellishing the facades of rich Tudor merchants' houses - status symbols and memories of the cloth heritage of the village.

Medieval buildings

Lavenham has many fine examples of medieval and Tudor timber-framed buildings.

Learn all about their heritage, including the extremely skilled craft of how they were built and why they have survived.

The Old Grammar School

The Old Grammar School, open from 1647-1887, is a Grade I listed building whose many pupils have included famous painter John Constable.

St Peter & St Paul Church

The church was built at the height of Lavenham's prosperity by Thomas Spring III.

De Vere House

The last house in Lavenham to be owned by the Earls of Oxford, also known as the De Vere Hunting Lodge, was one of three properties within the centre of Lavenham, attached to Lavenham Hall.

Little Hall

Little Hall, built in the 1390s, was once home to the Causton family. Since then the house has changed a lot from being divided up to house six different families in the 1700s to being restored and used as a museum today.

Art and galleries

Lavenham is host to an array of galleries; visitors can find unique examples of local and international arts and crafts. Take a look at the Crooked House Gallery, a building full of 'wonky' charm.

Dining out

Cafés and tearooms

Lavenham is home to a wide choice of tea-rooms and small cafés, where cream teas are part of the regular afternoon menu, including our Guildhall which is a firm favourite with many visitors.

Pubs and restaurants

With a selection of fine dining restaurants, including an Indian restaurant, there are plenty of options for everyone. Favourites include The Swan and The Great House, both well known as hotels as well as restaurants.

Children over six will love to spot the hidden characters and find the patterns on this easy one-mile walk around Lavenham. Collect your compass from the Guildhall before you start. A £10 deposit applies.